From my Heart
Louise Gibson
Here I am at a ripe old age-
and I can’t argue with a calendar page.
My body is bemoaning.”Woe is me,
Arthritis can be a catastrophe!”
But my mind is saying,
“Go, girl!, you have a life to live.
Good deeds to be done each day,
and much love to give.
Keep in mind, your biggest cheer leader
in life is YOU.
Choose a positive attitude in reaching your goals,
and watch your dreams come true”..
Talks with Johnnie Lord
DiVoran Lites
I was in the first Sunday School class Johnnie Lord taught when she and Peter first came to Titusville. We met in the house next door to our church, the First Baptist, downtown. As I recall, it was a space-filled room with sunshine splashing through the windows and over the wooden floors.
Johnnie talked slow and southern. I, who had just come from California with my husband and two small children, was fascinated by her. She used her hands in teaching, and did I say she was soft-spoken and kind? No? Well, she was the kindest and wisest woman I have ever personally known. I am by no means alone in feeling this way.
One of the first things I recall Johnnie telling us was that a woman was responsible for dressing modestly instead of trying to draw attention to herself by wearing what might be called alluring clothing. That was the first time I ever heard that idea, although I’m sure my mother and grandmother had done their best to instill it in me. Of course she was teaching the Bible, but in a new and accessible way I’d never heard before.
The first time I knew Christian books, besides the Bible, existed was when Johnnie introduced us to, The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life, by Hannah Whithall Smith. It’s a wonderful book. I recently bought a copy to see what had helped me so much. Basically it’s about looking to God instead of to our own thinking- patterns for guidance. It was written in 1875, and is still very popular. I’d say the principle is more needed today than ever before.
Johnnie suggested that if we didn’t understand something or couldn’t put it into practice we might stop reading until we could. That was good advice, but once I was onto Christian books I gobbled them like a starved child. Blessedly she also gave us a hunger and thirst for scripture, and for time spent alone with God every day. Renie and Billy watched Captain Kangaroo first thing in the morning and I, a stay-at-home mom, got started studying the Bible and learning to pray. Peter’s 9:59 plan about journaling inspired me to write letters to God, which I still do today.
It would be hard to say whether inspiration came to us through Johnnie or through Peter. They were sometimes called the dynamic duo, and I know they depended on each other’s relationship with the Lord in leading the congregation. They had many a sore trial, but they eventually counted them all for good.
One time I was sitting across the table from Johnnie and jokingly told her I had stolen Bill’s Bible. She said, “If you stole it, you probably needed it.”
Johnnie would often quote Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee: …” I didn’t get it, but it stuck with me, and after I actually asked Jesus to be my master and savior, I began to understand what it meant.
In the seventies, Bill and I had some trouble in our marriage, and we consulted with Peter. He helped us through it, and there is no doubt that much of his counsel came from what he and Johnnie had learned in their marriage. The idea was that most people, when left to their own thoughts will try their best to figure it out or battle it out, but that if they focus on God and His will, His Holy Spirit will do the work. The prayer we prayed was: “Lord, change this marriage, beginning with me.” Bill and I just celebrated our fifty-seventh wedding anniversary. I hate to think where we and our family would be now, if we’d never met Peter and Johnnie .
Recently I was talking to a friend who grew up at Park Avenue with our gown children. She and I are both deeply grateful that the younger generations of each family are now thriving in goodness. We know that would not be so if it hadn’t been for our beloved leaders, and for the dear helpers and teachers at the church.
Thank you Peter and Johnnie. We hope your crowns in heaven aren’t too heavy with stars. Ah well, you probably won’t wear them anyhow, neither of you was ever looking for personal glory.
Johnnie went to be with the Lord this week. I know He is delighted to welcome her home-
A Slice of Life
Bill Lites
Since I always wanted to visit the northeastern U.S. Colonial States during the fall foliage color change, I decided to give late September and early October a try this year. My primary museum resource was, of course, my “Guide to Over 900 Aircraft Museums – USA & Canada,” which gave me an approximate route for my trip. Next came the airline and rental car research. One friend, who had lived in the Boston area and still had relatives living there, recommended the Providence, RI airport for two reasons. One, because Southwest Airlines (I could fly free with points) had non-stop flights from Orlando to the T.F. Green airport in Warwick, RI; and two, because it was a smaller airport with much less hassle than JFK or LaGuardia. When I checked out the rental car prices, I found I could save over $250 by renting the same car at a downtown Providence location instead of at the airport. That savings would go a long way toward paying for my gas on this trip. Here again my Boston friend was able to assist me with Rapid Transit information to and from the airport to Providence. On most of my trips I find that talking to friends who have lived in the areas I plan to visit is a great source of valuable information. Next, I researched the Internet for “Things to do” and “Points of Interest” in the major cities of the states where my initial route seemed to be taking me. This narrowed the route down to more specific locations along the way. Then I approximated the distances between museums or attractions (including time at the museum/attraction) along my route to look for motel locations and rates (nights for the lowest points) so that hours on the road per day were reasonable. All this makes for a very time consuming process, but I enjoy the research and thinking about all the fun places and things I am going to be seeing.
I had planned to start my first day (flight day) after arriving in the Providence area, to pick up my rental car, and then visiting a museum and a memorial park before checking into the motel for the night. I was a little concerned about the timing of all this because my flight was scheduled to arrive at the T. F. Green Airport at 12:50 pm and the commuter train left the airport stop for Providence at 1:25 pm. If the plane was late, it would mess up my whole evening as the next commuter train would not leave the airport until 3:55 pm. My Boston friend assured me that I would have plenty of time to make the 1:25 train and not to worry. Right, easy for him to say! Well, as it turned out, the flight was early getting into the T.F. Green Airport, and I got to the train stop in plenty of time. Interestingly, there was a young man waiting for the same train I was, and I asked him about how to know which train was my train. He kindly explained and come to find out he was from Melbourne, FL (about 40 miles from Titusville, FL where I live) and had been on the same flight that I was on from Orlando. He was there to visit relatives and was very helpful with information about the commuter train system.
—–To Be Continued—–
Leon is a new contributor to Old Things R New. Last Wednesday he suffered a serious stoke. Please keep him in your prayers.
My Second Business
Leon Holecheck
When I was 9 years old, my dad gave me 50 cents to mow the front and back lawns. That was a lot of work and a lot of money. When the lady who lived down the street found out I mowed lawns, she offered me 50 cents to mow her front lawn. I used her lawn mower and it was in good shape and had been well lubricated. It took me most of that Saturday morning and afternoon to finish the job, because it was a big lawn. It was summer time and I sweated a lot and drank a lot of water. It was a huge relief to sit down on the lawn in the shade and rest from time to time. She required me to trim the edges of the lawn along the curb and on both sides of the sidewalks. I had to do all that edging on my hands and knees. She was happy with my work, and when she paid me, she told me she would pay me another 25 cents to mow the backyard. She wanted me to come back every Saturday.
Another lady further down the street offered me one dollar to mow her lawn. Then another lady offered me a dollar and fifty cents to mow her lawn. My last mowing job paid me the most, but it was the hardest. The lady paid me three dollars to mow her lawn. The lawn mower was very old and nobody had ever lubricated it. The blades would barely turn and it was very hard to push. I only mowed lawns, during the summers, because in 1949 I got a job working at a filling station, which was close to my house, on Saturdays for thirty five cents an hour. I worked at the filling station job for a little over a year before I started thinking about joining the circus. But, that’s another story for another time.
—–The End—–
My Take
DiVoran Lites
Suddenly the nighttime temperature was 50 degrees, then 40. It was also time to set our clocks back and stay in our warm cozy beds for an extra hour. Bill got the cat beds down from the attic so our little darlings wouldn’t catch cold, but Jasmine and I both got the sneezes anyway.
Another sign that winter has arrived is that last year’s and the year’s before poinsettia plants on the porch are full and lush, and even have a few leaves turning to red. Isn’t nature is wonderful?
I got out a red plush sweater and a plaid flannel shirt to wear with my jeans. Soon I will reorganize my closet and drawers putting most of the shorts and t-shirts away, but not all. I do this twice a year, donating things I haven’t liked or worn and thus saving enough room for the ones I do enjoy wearing.
My winter stash yielded a velveteen, long-sleeved top with woven in flowers. I love that one, but each year when I wear it, a woman at church says something like: that top is so pretty. It’s to bad you can’t buy those any more. Well, okay, some people aren’t famous for their tact, but I’m not all sweetness and light myself – anyhow not always. Ask anyone. It’s the truth that counts. Am I going to let public opinion stop me from wearing something I want to wear? I’ll have to give that some thought.
New International Version
Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. http://biblehub.com/james/3-5.htm
SUNDAY MEMORIES
Judy Wills
As a child growing up in New Mexico, it seems I had always known about “Shiprock” New Mexico. It wasn’t until many years later, that I knew what or where Shiprock was, or the Indian lore about it. It is a majestic piece of rock—possibly volcanic but probably sandstone—that is just out in the middle of nowhere. It just sprouts up by itself. It is absolutely magnificent, and for some reason, holds a special place in my heart.
Brian had not thought that we would have time to cross into New Mexico, but then proclaimed that it was a “pilgrimage” for me, so we went to see it. I’ve had a framed calendar photo of it on our wall for many years, but Karen and Brian had never seen it in real life. They were AMAZED.
As we were leaving Shiprock, I made the statement that “it’s dirty, it’s dusty, it’s scrubby—and I love it! This is home!” Of course, I hadn’t lived in New Mexico for more than 50 years, but it still felt like “home” to me. Funny how our minds work.
From Shiprock, New Mexico, we crossed into Arizona, heading to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park that is in both Arizona and Utah—Navajo Nation land. Absolutely AMAZING!!
This picture is of the two formations called “Mittens” – and you can see why. They look like right and left handed mittens.
And here is Brian, trying to hold up The Cube. Those are enormous rocks! It reminded me of a “saying” that my dad had, i.e. “I sure wouldn’t want that pebble in my shoe!” I asked Karen if I had told her about that “saying” of her grandfather’s, and she said “no.” So she got another touch from the grandfather she had never known. I keep wanting to pass along those things to our girls and their children – so they will know him, as well.
The roads in Monument Valley are just dirt—and, as you can see by the car—it just covers everything!
We stopped by the side of the road there and had a picnic lunch right at the car. The wind was blowing in such a way that the dust made by any cars passing by would blow the other way from us, so we weren’t eating dirt!
At many of the stops along the way, there were Native American women selling hand-made jewelry. I bought a neat beaded necklace with a silver Kokopelli at the center. He’s my favorite Indian character—the flute player.
After we had packed up from lunch, we headed to Grand Canyon National Park. I don’t remember how long it had been since Fred was there, but I think I was about 8-years-old the last time I visited the Canyon! It hasn’t lost its appeal at all for me! Absolutely breathtaking!!
There are so many pictures we took of the Grand Canyon, that I just can’t show them all. But here are a few of our favorite sights.
These were taken at sunset. Absolutely gorgeous!!
On the side of one of the buildings up top, this sign was posted. Marvelous!
~~~~~~~To Be Continued~~~~~~~
Many years ago, someone I deeply respected told me I needed to be careful of the words I spoke. His words have echoed in my mind many times since then and I have tried to take his advice.
From My Heart
Louise Gibson
Look deep within yourself-
What is it that you see?
Hope for the future-
A Christ-centered destiny?
I didn’t know how to truly live-
until I learned to love
And that didn’t happen until I met Christ,
our amazing God above.
If we are all wrapped up in our self,
it makes a very small package, you’ll agree.
But when Christ comes in and fills us with His love,
from the bondage of “self” we are free!
As the song goes, “Oh, victory in Jesus,
our Savior forever”-
To Him I raise my voice in praise.
He gives us purpose in living,
and strength to meet the needs of our days.
On the Porch
Onisha Ellis
Another week has passed and it seems all I have is chit-chat. We had a enjoyable visit with my aunt and cousin from Raleigh then almost as soon as they left my husband came down with a weird virus. He had no fever nor obvious symptoms except exhaustion. Then after a day he lost his voice. I spent the next five days thinking I was living with a seal. I kid you not, he sounded just like a seal at Sea World. I thought that was awful, but then he lost his voice totally. At first, that was kind of nice. (Ladies, you KNOW what I mean) To my surprise, I discovered I missed his ranting at the television and radio. After a visit to the doctor, some expensive pills and home remedies, I believe he is on the mend. His energy is coming back too.
There has been some excitement this week. Our daughter, was notified she is a top five finalist for an award in writing and she was asked to participate in a book signing at the U.S. Space Walk of Fame Museum. The other author will be none other than Jay Barbree, author of Neil Armstrong, A Life of Flight He has covered every single flight of the manned space program and she used his books as a reference as she wrote Jessie.
Tonight the seniors group at our church is having their Thanksgiving dinner. Husband won’t be going but I am ready to get our of the house….really ready.I am taking the pumpkin cake recipe that has been all over Facebook. It only uses a can of pumpkin and a cake mix. I pinned the recipe and you can find it on our Pinterest page Rebekah Lyn Books. I put it on the healthy recipes board. The other dish is what I call Pink Stuff. It is also called Cherry Salad. It is light, fluffy and easy to make.
My cousin Margaret put the recipe in the Ebenezer United Methodist church cook book. I have included it in case you need a quick and pretty dish for a party.
Cherry Salad
23 oz can prepared cherry pie filling
23 oz can crushed pineapple well-drained
1 cup pecans or walnuts chopped
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
Pint of sour cream
8 or 9 oz container of whipped topping
Blend all ingredients together. Chill 4-5 hours. Serves 10
Hopefully next week I will have something profound to share. Or not, maybe we will simply chat again. Oh, I do have one profound thing to share. I spent part of the time creating Inspirational pins for my friend, Janet Perez Eckles. I haven’t perfected it yet, but here is one to share.
A Slice of Life
Bill Lites
For DiVoran’s birthday I took her to the Orange County History Center in Orlando, Florida so she could view the “Gone With The Wind” exhibition on display there. She loved it. While she was enjoying the exhibits about that famous story of Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara, I strolled around the galleries on the other three floors of the building. It was a pretty impressive arrangement, with exhibits covering mostly Florida history.
One exception was the WWI Trench Art exhibit. I was simply amazed at what some of those soldiers had done with what was called, in one description, “War Waste.” There was no end to the creativity shown by the many different examples displayed. There were creations using the smallest rifle cartridges, to those using some of the largest canon shell casings. There were pieces ranging from a small crucifix, to a multi-bulbed desk lamp. And some of the artistic work was breathtaking!
To think that in the midst of one of the world’s worst conflicts, and in the cold and muddy trenches filled with the smell of death, that it was possible for men to be able to remove themselves (thoughts and emotions) in a way as to create such beauty out of some the very components that they were using to perpetuate that devastation.
It’s disturbing for me to think about the millions of young men who have had to go to a war for any reason, but especially those with such talent as displayed in these art forms. Of course, there was the much used reference of “Turning Swords into Plowshares” which didn’t help when I tried to imagine how much talent has been wasted over the centuries because of the many wars that have been fought around the world. There was a picture of a huge pile of shell casings, which must have been the source of some of the “War Waste” referred to in one of the articles about Trench Art.
There were several WWI posters (collector items by now) encouraging Americans to “Buy War Bonds” to support the war effort. I remember the stories about how the people of this country tried to stay out of the “War Over There” but how they rallied together to support out military once the U.S. joined the fight.
It reminded me of pictures and stories of my dad, who had been a medic and ambulance driver with the U.S. Army in France during WWI. I’m sure he saw his share of terrible things during that conflict, as did many, but like most of them he never talked about it to us.
If you get a chance to visit the Orange County History Center in Orlando, Florida in the near future, be sure to see the “WWI Trench Art” exhibit (there until 12/31/2014). If not, you can go on the internet and Google WWI Trench Art and you’ll be amazed, as I was, with what you will see posted there, and with many references to other links. Enjoy!
—–The End—–
http://www.trenchartofww1.co.uk
Old Things R New 